Tuesday, January 31, 2017

News Clippings 1/31/17

State

Grenada residents still worried about toxic chemicals

WTVA

GRENADA, Miss. (WTVA)-- Officials with the Environmental Protection Agency are expected to speak with the Grenada City Council Tuesday night.

http://www.wtva.com/story/34384003/grenada-residents-still-worried-about-toxic-chemicals

 

Environmental cleanup continues in Ocean Springs shopping center

WLOX

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS (WLOX) -An environmental cleanup in Ocean Springs is linked to a decades-old pollution problem with a former dry cleaning business.

http://www.wlox.com/story/34380713/environmental-cleanup-continues-in-ocean-springs-shopping-center

 

Petal: Rebuilding, debris removal, and more

WDAM

PETAL, MS (WDAM) -Just a little over a week after the deadly EF-3 tornado ripped through the Pine Belt, families impacted in Petal are still digging through damage and clearing their properties.

http://www.wdam.com/story/34382495/petal-rebuilding-debris-removal-and-more

 

Put away the buffet: Bear population growing, roaming in Mississippi

Sun Herald

Folks along Florida’s Western Panhandle are alarmed over a black bear that injured a man and his dog, but we’ve got plenty of bears right here on the Mississippi Coast, too.

http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/article129638104.html

 

Marshall Fisher named DPS commissioner

Clarion Ledger

Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner Marshall Fisher will take the reins of the state Department of Public Safety Wednesday.

http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/local/2017/01/30/marshall-fisher-named-next-dps-commissioner/97239242/

 

Oil Spill

 

Oh where, oh where did those BP bills go?

Sun Herald

None of the bills that would route most of the BP economic damages settlement money to the Coast have made it out of committee with a little over a day until the deadline.

http://www.sunherald.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/crawdaddy/article129650119.html

 

Regional

 

New maps show Southeast streams teeming with life

Chattanooga Times Free Press

Scientists have long known the streams, rivers and lakes of the Southeast to be teeming with aquatic biodiversity.

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2017/jan/30/new-maps-show-southeast-streams-teeming-life/410121/

 

Price spikes for jumbo shrimp blamed on Gulf of Mexico dead zone

Times-Picayune

Every spring and summer when the low-oxygen dead zone forms off Louisiana's coastline, the price of jumbo shrimp briefly spikes, affecting Gulf of Mexicofishers, consumers and seafood markets, according to a new study published Monday (Jan. 30) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. And the price for smaller shrimp generally falls.

http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2017/01/price_spikes_for_big_shrimp_tr.html#incart_river_index

 

National

 

Trump administration lifts temporary freeze on EPA grants

Washington Post

The Trump administration has lifted a temporary freeze on billions of dollars of grants from the Environmental Protection Agency, saying the programs will continue as planned.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/01/30/trump-administration-lifts-temporary-freeze-on-epa-grants/?utm_term=.f56172474939

 

Pruitt Colleagues Say He Will Bring Collaboration, Efficiency to EPA

Bloomberg

A mission-driven public servant with tunnel vision on upholding the laws on the books.

That’s the ethos of the likely next Environmental Protection Agency administrator, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, according to a range of public and tribal officials who have worked under and alongside him over recent years.

https://www.bna.com/pruitt-colleagues-say-n57982083047/

 

Senate begins moving Trump's energy, environment team

The Hill

ZINKE, PERRY TO GET COMMITTEE VOTES: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources will vote on two Trump administration nominees on Tuesday, pushing ahead the confirmation process for President Trump's energy and environment team.

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/overnights/316995-overnight-energy-senate-begins-moving-trumps-energy

 

Trump will 'definitely' pull out of Paris climate deal, ex-aide says

The Hill

President Trump will “definitely” pull the United States out of the Paris climate agreement, with some action possible within days, according to a former top aide.

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/316894-trump-will-definitely-pull-out-of-paris-climate-deal-ex-aide-says

 

Another alarm for scientists: Trump’s pick to guide NOAA transition

McClatchy

 

President Donald Trump is taking aim at one of the federal government’s main agencies for climate change research – the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – and NOAA employees are girding for drastic changes in how they conduct science and report it to the public.

http://www.sunherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article129716269.html

 

McConnell pushes for action on ‘harmful’ coal-mining rule

The Hill

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) pledged Monday to undo a coal-mining rule issued in the closing days of the Obama administration. 

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/316941-mcconnell-pushes-for-action-on-harmful-coal-mining-rule

 

Texas Pipeline, Highway Remain Shut After Rupture

S-1 Pipeline ruptured Monday afternoon by road construction crews, spraying oil several stories into air

WSJ

A major crude oil pipeline owned by Enterprise Products Partners and Enbridge Inc. remained shut Tuesday after road construction crews ruptured it northeast of Dallas, causing a gusher that sprayed oil all over a highway.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/texas-pipeline-highway-remain-shut-after-rupture-1485869626

 

 

Press Releases

 

Gov. Bryant Names Marshall Fisher as

Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner

 

JACKSON—Governor Phil Bryant has named Marshall L. Fisher as Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS). Fisher replaces Albert Santa Cruz, who is retiring on January 31, 2017, after 43 years of service to the state. Fisher will vacate his position as Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) Commissioner on the same date and assume his position at DPS on February 1, 2017. Fisher’s MDOC Chief of Staff, Pelicia Hall, will be acting Commissioner of MDOC until a permanent replacement for Fisher is named.

“Marshall has a long and distinguished career as a law enforcement officer, and I’m pleased that he has accepted the position to lead the Mississippi Department of Public Safety,” Gov. Bryant said. “His experience at the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Mississippi Department of Corrections will serve him well, and I know he will do an outstanding job leading the men and women who keep us safe each day.”

“Governor Bryant has honored me today with the opportunity to lead the state's top law enforcement agency,” Fisher said. “It is my intent to set a high bar for professionalism and transparency. The citizens of this great state support those who protect and serve. I will preserve their confidence.”

Most recently, Fisher has served as the Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner since January 2015. He also served as executive director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics from 2005-2014. Additionally, Fisher has served as state director for the Mississippi Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Throughout his career, he has coordinated joint operations involving DEA, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Highway Patrol, and numerous other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

He is retired from the Drug Enforcement Administration, where he was assigned as Agent in Charge of Mississippi DEA operations. During his tenure with the DEA, Fisher was assigned to field offices in Texas, Kansas, Kentucky and DEA Headquarters, where he served as section chief in the Office of Domestic Operations to Europe, Asia, Africa and Canada.

Fisher started his career in law enforcement as a police officer in Texas and as a parole agent in Louisiana.

He is a U.S. Navy veteran and a graduate of the University of Memphis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice.

He and his wife, Thelma, have two sons, Grady and Shane, both of whom work in federal law enforcement.

Fisher’s appointment must be confirmed by the Mississippi Senate.

###

 

Monday, January 30, 2017

News Clippings 1/30/17

State

Jackson leaders upset that West Rankin Utility Authority wants to build wastewater treatment

WJTV

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) — The West Rankin Utility Authority wants to build a new wastewater treatment plant in Rankin County. However, City of Jackson argues that it will hurt its customers.

http://wjtv.com/2017/01/27/jackson-leaders-upset-that-west-rankin-utility-authority-wants-to-build-wastewater-treatment/

 

TORNADO CAUSES MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF TIMBER DAMAGES

WCBI

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WCBI)- More than $1 million worth of timber was destroyed by last week's tornado in Lamar, Forrest, and Perry counties.

http://www.wcbi.com/video-tornado-causes-million-dollars-worth-timber-damages/

 

Water screening, workshop to help private well owners

WTVA

COLUMBUS, Miss. (AP) - The Mississippi State University Extension Service is offering two programs next month for north Mississippi homeowners with private wells.

http://www.wtva.com/story/34370690/water-screening-workshop-to-help-private-well-owners

 

Students are doing something about debris on Ship Island

Sun Herald

In November, 120 Coast high school and college students participated in a program that hauled piles of trash and even car parts off Ship Island, and a federal grant will ensure more students follow.

http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/article129234574.html

 

KEEPING COLUMBUS CLEAN

WCBI

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Columbus got a head start on "spring cleaning" and took to the rakes and shovels Saturday morning.

http://www.wcbi.com/video-keeping-columbus-clean/

 

New Mississippi Power solar facility progressing

Hattiesburg American

SUMRALL -In October, officials from Mississippi Power and D.E. Shaw Investments partnered to begin construction on a new solar facility: a 52-megawatt, 590-acre site on Mississippi 42 in Sumrall.

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/sumrall/2017/01/27/new-mississippi-power-solar-facility-progressing/97108816/

 

Conservation assistance for landowners, tribes available

Clarion Ledger

Financial and technical assistance to landowners and Native American tribes who want to employ conservation efforts on agricultural lands and wetlands can apply for financial and technical assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

http://www.clarionledger.com/story/business/2017/01/28/conservation-assistance-landowners-tribes-available/97179994/

 

Tagging removed from wildlife bill

Clarion Ledger

A substitute for a bill calling for reporting and tagging of deer and turkey harvests has passed the House of Representatives Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks committee. But there's a catch: there is no tagging.

http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/2017/01/27/tagging-removed-wildlife-bill/97129892/

 

Bills would repeal all agency rules every 5 years

Clarion Ledger

The Mississippi Legislature could be ramping up its deregulation efforts as illustrated by bills to repeal all state agency rules every five years. That, or, as some political observers speculate, such bills, both in the House and Senate, might be designed to bolster the power of the next governor, a position for which Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves is expected to vie.

http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/28/bills-would-repeal-all-agency-rules-every-5-years/96954282/

 

Bill could build up power of Mississippi governor

AP

JACKSON – Mississippi Republican Gov. Phil Bryant could get a chance to assert direct control over three large state agencies, enhancing his power in a state where the governor has traditionally been weak in comparative power to the Legislature.

http://djournal.com/news/bill-build-power-mississippi-governor/

 

Bill calls for appointed MDOT head

Commercial Dispatch

 

One Golden Triangle representative is hoping to do away with the Mississippi Department of Transportations' elected commissioners. 

 

http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=55875

 

Regional

Claims coal-fired plant polluted river: utility faces trial

AP

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Environmental groups are taking the Tennessee Valley Authority to trial over whether waste ash from its aging coal-fired power plant near Nashville polluted the Cumberland River in violation of the Clean Water Act.http://www.wtok.com/content/news/Claims-coal-fired-plant-polluted-river-utility-faces-trial-412097453.html

Disappointment, frustration after International Paper meeting

Pensacola News Journal

Residents who were hoping to find how the Jan. 22 explosion at International Paper's Cantonment mill will impact their health and the community's livelihood left Saturday's open house disappointed and frustrated.http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/cantonment/2017/01/28/disappointment-frustration-after-international-paper-meeting/97154350/

National

Senate panel to vote on confirming Trump EPA pick

The Hill

A Senate committee is planning to vote next week on President Trump's choice to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/316580-senate-panel-to-vote-on-confirming-trump-epa-pick

 

GOP lines up resolutions to undo coal, methane rules

The Hill

House Republicans are preparing to vote next week on two resolutions undoing pollution rules issued in the closing months of the Obama administration. 

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/316492-gop-lines-up-resolutions-to-undo-coal-methane-rules

Environmentalists preparing to battle Trump, GOP in court

AP

CHICAGO — The night before Donald Trump's inauguration, five environmental lawyers filed a federal court brief defending an Obama administration clean-water rule that the new president and his Republican allies have targeted for elimination, considering it burdensome to landowners.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/environmentalists-battle-trump/

 

In America's Heartland, Discussing Climate Change Without Saying 'Climate Change'

NY Times

GLEN ELDER, Kan. — Doug Palen, a fourth-generation grain farmer on Kansas' wind-swept plains, is in the business of understanding the climate. Since 2012, he has choked through the harshest drought to hit the Great Plains in a century, punctuated by freakish snowstorms and suffocating gales of dust. His planting season starts earlier in the spring and pushes deeper into winter.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/28/business/energy-environment/navigating-climate-change-in-americas-heartland.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fearth&action=click&contentCollection=earth&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=3&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=0

 

 

U.S. auto dealers look to Trump to ease vehicle emissions rules

Reuters

U.S. auto dealers gathered for their annual convention in New Orleans said they want President Donald Trump to ease federal regulation of vehicle emissions and consumer lending, reversing action taken by his predecessor.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-epa-autos-dealers-idUSKBN15D11R

 

Despite new law, EPA fails to tell millions of Montana asbestos danger

Missoulian

It's a lifesaving law, but many say it's still a pipe dream.

Public health officials say the long-awaited addition of asbestos to the government's recently released list of most dangerous chemicals will save lives, especially people across the country who are living with lethal fibers dug from a Montana mine.

http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/despite-new-law-epa-fails-to-tell-millions-of-montana/article_1d140c0f-6240-579e-baf2-16ec121da8b0.html

Can a federal ban on most ammunition and sinkers protect wildlife from lead poisoning?

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

It has become routine in presidential politics for outgoing administrations to stick it to the other party on the way out. Executive actions issued in a president's final days in office can immediately become law with no interagency vetting, public or private sector debate, congressional input, and in most cases, without consequence.

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/outdoors/2017/01/29/Can-a-federal-ban-on-most-ammunition-and-sinkers-protect-wildlife-from-lead-poisoning/stories/201701290102

Fresno judge rejects Monsanto's bid to block state from listing chemical as cancer causing

Fresno Bee

A Fresno County Superior Court judge has ruled against chemical giant Monsanto in its fight to prevent California regulators from listing the key ingredient in its popular weed killer Roundup as a carcinogen.

http://www.fresnobee.com/news/business/agriculture/article129228309.html

 

Opinion

Carbon tax chances slim under Trump, though even Tillerson supports the idea

Bill Loveless, Special for USA TODAY

With the Trump Administration poised to reverse U.S. policies on climate change, the head of a major oil and natural gas company is calling again for governments around the world to put a price on carbon emissions once and for all.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/2017/01/29/carbon-tax-chances-slim-under-trump-though-even-tillerson-supports-idea/97145362/

 

Press Releases

 

Forestland Economic Impact Assessment for EF-3 Tornado

 

The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) conducted an aerial detection flight of the area affected by the EF-3 tornado that traveled through Lamar, Forrest, and Perry counties on January 21, 2017. The purpose was to assess damage to forested acreage and estimate the potential economic impact.

Summary of the data collected by the MFC on January 24, 2017:

•       Approximately 1,571 forested acres damaged

◦       1,453 acres - privately owned

◦       118 acres - public lands managed by the MFC

•       4,320 total acres damaged

The estimated economic impact on privately owned forestland is listed below (by county).

 

Table 1:  Estimated economic impact - private forestland                   

County

Pine Acres

Hardwood Acres

Mixed Acres

Total Acres

Total Economic Impact

Lamar

484

144

149

777

$ 305,392

Forrest

143

130

127

400

$ 49,504

Perry

161

42

73

276

$ 55,888

Total

788

316

349

1,453

$ 410,784

*Public forestland and urban forestland within city limits were not used in Table 1 calculations.

 

The economic impact estimate takes into account young sub-merchantable stands, as well as mature timber.  The value estimate may be low for individual timber stands or landowners, as some experienced the loss of high-value trees.  The amounts used to calculate the value estimate were $5/ ton for pulpwood and $25/ ton for sawtimber.

The economic impact of the EF-3 tornado on privately owned forestland in the affected area was estimated to be $410,784.

 

The total economic impact of the EF-3 tornado on all forested acreage in the affected area (including public forestland and urban forestland within city limits) was estimated to be $1,089,750.

 

###

 

Prevent Mold From Ruining Your Home and Your Health

 

JACKSON – Floodwaters have receded from the severe storms that the Pine Belt area beginning January 21, but they are leaving behind the perfect damp environment for mold and mildew to thrive, advises state health officials.

 

According to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), mold can be identified by its musty, earthy odor and its fuzzy growth or discoloration on hard surfaces, furniture and carpeting. But it is not always visible – it can spread through cooling/heating ducts as well as wall insulation. It can cause coughing, sneezing, wheezing and asthma that should be treated by a doctor.

 

Mold should be cleaned up as soon as possible or it may create health hazards, especially among the elderly, the very young and those with compromised immune systems, allergies or asthma.

 

MSDH recommends a two-step cleaning process. First, clean all hard surfaces, such as metal, glass, solid wood, plastic and other nonporous materials with a non-ammonia detergent and hot water. Then, disinfect all cleaned surfaces with a 10-percent household bleach solution (one-and-a-half cup of bleach in one gallon of water).

 

Then dry or air dry by opening windows and doors, and turning on ceiling fans for more ventilation.

 

Do not mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. Wear protective gear including rubber boots and gloves, goggles and an N-95 mask while cleaning.

 

According to the health department, the general rule for porous materials is if you cannot wash it, throw it away. Throw out all moldy items that cannot be thoroughly cleaned, such as carpets, mattresses, upholstered furniture, stuffed animals, pillows, wall coverings and all paper products. Remove drywall or insulation that has been dampened by floodwater. Allow the wall studs to dry before installing new insulation and drywall.

 

For areas of mold clean-up larger than 30 square feet, please consult a professional mold remover.

 

###

 

Friday, January 27, 2017

News Clippings 1/27/17

State

Tornado debris removal begins in the Pine Belt

WDAM

Pine Belt counties hit by Saturday's tornado are starting debris removal and outlining how citizens can help expedite clean up.

http://www.wdam.com/story/34356549/tornado-debris-removal-begins-in-the-pine-belt

 

Work started on R’land Costco

Northside Sun

Work on the Ridgeland Costco appears to be moving forward.

Last week, city officials confirmed developers had begun clearing land to make way for the project.

http://northsidesun.com/news/work-started-r%E2%80%99land-costco#sthash.B3ojCpGA.dpbs

 

 

3 On Your Side Investigates: What's in the Water?

WLBT

JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -Nearly two years ago, a lead scare in the Capital City revealed nearly one out of every four homes had lead levels that exceeded what the EPA calls "safe" for adults. That revelation led to hundreds in the metro testing water in their homes to see if their pipes also carried the poison.

http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/34348806/3-on-your-side-investigates-whats-in-the-water

 

 

Have questions about Moss Point’s water?

Sun Herald

MOSS POINT 

The city will host a forum to answer people’s questions about the city’s water quality and the treatment plant that uses a high-tech process to clean color and smell from the drinking water.

http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/jackson-county/article128997884.html

 

Mississippi No. 1 for older bucks, again

Clarion Ledger

You can almost hear the fictional movie character Forrest Gump saying it. Mississippi is number one in the nation for the percentage of mature buck harvests — again.

http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/2017/01/26/mississippi-no-1-older-bucks-again/97037266/

 

Margaritaville sues state over tidelands

WLOX

BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -A familiar argument over the question of where private property ends and state owned land begins along the beach is once again going to court. This legal battle could impact Margaritaville's plans to expand its resort in Biloxi.

http://www.wlox.com/story/34356522/margaritaville-sues-state-over-tidelands

 

AN ENERGY EFFICIENT WORKSHOP TAKES PLACE AT EMCC

WCBI

MAYHEW, Miss. (WCBI) – A free Energy Efficient Workshop took off at East Mississippi Community College Thursday morning.

http://www.wcbi.com/video-energy-efficient-workshop-takes-place-emcc/

 

MS Supreme Court rules contractor employee injured at Chevron can sue company

WLOX

JACKSON, MS (WLOX) -Thursday, the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled in favor of a man who was injured while working at the Chevron refinery in Pascagoula.

http://www.wlox.com/story/34359789/ms-supreme-court-rules-contractor-employee-injured-at-chevron-can-sue-company

 

Bill: No new cars for state agencies

Clarion Ledger

The House Appropriations Committee on Thursday passed a one-year ban on most state agencies buying or leasing new vehicles, part of a savings and cuts package legislative budget leaders proposed in the fall.

http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/26/car-moratorium-state/97103528/

 

New cars, old commissions on the budget chopping block

Mississippi Today

Legislation intended to further tighten the state budget, including a halt on purchasing vehicles for one year and the elimination of 16 state boards or commissions, passed House and Senate committees Thursday.

http://mississippitoday.org/2017/01/26/new-cars-old-commissions-on-the-budget-chopping-block/

 

 

Oil Spill

 

Behind the spotlights, Coast Coliseum at 40 is showing its age

Sun Herald

BILOXI 

The Coast Coliseum is 40 this year and beginning to show some wrinkles and age spots.

http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/article128982624.html

 

Defending the Spending of DWF

WRKF

“This is – from my standpoint – one of the worst cases of Monday morning quarterbacking that I’ve ever seen,” former state Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham said Thursday.

http://wrkf.org/post/defending-spending-dwf#stream/0

 

Regional

 

Speed -- and caution -- urged on Louisiana's 50-year plan to save its coast

Times-Picayune

Now that four public hearings have been held on Louisiana's new $50 billion, 50-year plan to save its southern flank, staff at the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority turn to tweaking the draft before presenting it to agency's governing board for a vote. The last of the hearings, held in Wednesday night (Jan. 25) in Mandeville, ended with several calls for speed and caution in completing the plan's 120 projects.

http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2017/01/2017_master_plan_hearings_clos.html#incart_river_index

 

Trump Wants to Downplay Global Warming. Louisiana Won’t Let Him

Bloomberg

On a recent morning in Baton Rouge, a thousand miles from where Senate Democrats were jousting with Donald Trump’s nominee to run the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency about whether humans are warming the planet, the future of U.S. climate policy was being crafted in a small room in the east wing of the Louisiana Capitol. The state’s 7,700-mile shoreline is disappearing at the fastest rate in the country. Officials had gathered to consider a method of deciding which communities to save—and which to abandon to the Gulf of Mexico.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-26/trump-wants-to-downplay-global-warming-louisiana-won-t-let-him

 

Red snapper focus group to share report

Pensacola News Journal

Last year, members of the recreational fishing community organized a Gulf Angler Focus Group Initiative to explore improved management options for the conservation and public enjoyment of Gulf of Mexico red snapper.

http://www.pnj.com/story/sports/outdoors/fishing/2017/01/26/red-snapper-focus-group-share-report/97106998/

 

Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in Wild Texas Deer

NBCDFW

Chronic wasting disease, a fatal brain condition, has been detected in Texas free-ranging white-tailed deer for the first time, officials with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced Wednesday.

http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Chronic-Wasting-Disease-Detected-in-Wild-Texas-Deer-411847105.html

 

National

 

Allaying concerns, EPA lifts temporary freeze on grants to states

USA Today

WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency has resumed issuing grants following a brief pause that alarmed state regulators, environmental advocates and congressional lawmakers already concerned the Trump administration would rein in the EPA’s reach and scope.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/01/26/allaying-concerns-epa-lifts-temporary-freeze-grants-states/97103198/

 

Official: Trump wants to slash EPA workforce, budget

AP

WASHINGTON 

The former head of President Donald Trump's transition team at the Environmental Protection Agency says he expects the new administration to seek significant budget and staff cuts.

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/national-politics/article129082824.html

 

AP Explains: What Is the EPA, and Why Is It in the Hot Seat?

AP

The former head of President Donald Trump's transition team at the Environmental Protection Agency says he expects the new administration to seek significant budget and staff cuts for the department. Here's a look at the EPA.

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/ap-explains-epa-hot-seat-45075891

 

More fissures could crack if groundwater pumping increases

KVOA

TUCSON – A large crack discovered in the desert near Picacho Peak could be the start of a growing issue if groundwater pumping increases.

http://www.kvoa.com/story/34348187/more-fissures-could-crack-if-groundwater-pumping-increases

 

Keystone XL builder sends new permit application to Trump

The Hill

The Canadian company hoping to build the Keystone XL oil pipeline said Thursday that it sent the Trump administration a new application for the cross-border permit the project needs.

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/316388-keystone-xl-builder-sends-new-permit-application-to-trump

 

Trump names Obama nominee as temporary top energy regulator

The Hill

President Trump has named Cheryl LaFleur, a Democratic nominee, to be the acting chairwoman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the board announced Thursday. 

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/316291-trump-names-obama-nominee-as-temporary-top-energy-regulator

 

Government Science Goes Rogue on Twitter

CBS

The Trump administration’s attempt to muzzle environmental messages on social media appears to be failing bigly.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/government-science-goes-rogue-on-twitter-resist/

 

Pipeline leaks 138K gallons of diesel in Iowa

USA Today

DES MOINES — An investigation is ongoing on how a pipeline leaked 138,600 gallons of diesel fuel in Worth County early Wednesday morning, according to Magellan Midstream Partners L.P., the pipeline company.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/pipeline-leaks-138k-gallons-of-diesel-in-iowa/ar-AAmfG3a?li=BBnb7Kz

 

Opinion

 

LET THE FEDS PAY FOR KEMPER

Northside Sun

The Kemper power plant cost has now topped $7 billion. It has yet to produce electricity from lignite. If that day comes, there’s no way it will be cost effective. Even if the cost of lignite electricity is zero, the interest on the construction debt preclude anything remotely considered prudent.

http://northsidesun.com/opinion-editorials/let-feds-pay-kemper

 

Trump, incoming leaders must take action on climate change

Sun Herald

BY BILL CURTIS

Every presidential election causes turmoil, and this one was particularly tumultuous because both nominees said or did things that were troubling to a majority of voters. Donald Trump made some pretty outrageous statements, but now that he has taken office he is backing off many of them. One of these is his comments on human-caused climate change.

http://www.sunherald.com/opinion/other-voices/article128869909.html